Work

Methadone Induction for a Patient With Precipitated Withdrawal in the Emergency Department: A Case Report

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: In the era of illicit fentanyl, reports on difficulties with buprenorphine inductions for patients with opioid use disorder are emerging. Methadone is the only other approved medication treatment with efficacy similar to buprenorphine but without risks of precipitated withdrawal. Unfortunately, outpatient methadone inductions can take days to weeks to complete, due in part to regulations that limit administration to opioid treatment programs. We describe a patient with opioid use disorder who presented to the emergency department in precipitated withdrawal who completed a same-day methadone induction with next-day dosing at an opioid treatment program as part of an emergency department methadone protocol. As opioid-related deaths rise, emergency department-initiated methadone is feasible for patients with opioid use disorder.

Source: Journal of Addiction Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001109

Authors: Benjamin Church, Ryan Clark, William Mohn, Ruth Potee, Peter Friedmann, William E. Soares

Institutions: Baystate Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Baystate Health, Behavioral Health Network

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Drug Abuse